This year, my husband and I read Jesus Always every evening with additions from my book Kneeling on the Promises of God at various times of the day. I highly recommend Jesus Calling too. But, what about you? Do you have a daily devotional book that speaks to you?

This week, Group Publishing kindly sent me a review copy of the new 365-day devotional Jesus-Centered Daily by Rick Lawrence. Turning to today’s reading, “The Safety Fallacy” reminds us how people often say “Be Safe” or “Stay Safe” instead of “goodbye,” then adds this timely word:

“…’Be Safe!’ is not a kingdom-of-God imperative. The message of the Incarnation is a prod to adventure into the darkness, not retreat from it. Jesus invites us to walk with him into the ‘valley of the shadow of death’ because (as David reminds us) his ‘rod and staff’ will bring comfort to us. In his hand the Good Shepherd carries two metaphoric necessities – a staff to rescue and a rod to defend. That’s why his hello’s and goodbye’s so often convey the opposite of ‘Be Safe’.”

At the top of the page, the devotional suggests reading Psalm 23, and below the main text the layout consistently includes three columns followed by a prayer. For this day’s example:

Wonder

“What are the unintended consequences of using ‘Be Safe’ for ‘goodbye’?”

Jesus

“How can anyone enter the strong man’s house…unless he first binds [him]? (Matthew 12:29, NASB).”

DO

“Instead of ‘Be Safe!’ try ‘Be Christ’s!’ or ‘Stay awake!’ or ‘Live Large!’”

“Pray: Jesus you are my safety.”

And, of course, in perilous times or not, we have the option of saying the original phrase that was eventually compressed into “goodbye” – “God be with ye.”

Most of us will be glad to see this year end! Although we can’t control much of what’s going in the world, we can make next year better for ourselves and those around us if we choose to be Jesus-Centered Daily. Amen?

God be with ye!  

©2020, Mary Harwell Sayler, poet-writer, Bible reviewer

Jesus Always

Kneeling on the Promises of God

Jesus Calling

Jesus-Centered Daily

To order a devotional book to start your New Year, click on the above title of interest. If you have a favorite devotional book, let us know in the Comments below. Thanks and God bless.

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